OH! CALL IT NOT FOLLY.
I
Oh! call it not folly, you libel good spirits,
He surely is wisest whose heart is most gay,
Who looks on mankind but to find out the merits
Of those who may chance to be thrown in his way.
I know that you think me a volatile being,
In truth I am more apt to hope than to fear,
And why should I darken the present, for seeing
A far distant cloud which may never come near?
II
Oh! if it be folly, why should you endeavour
To end a delusion so happy for me;
Ne'er teach me your wisdom, but suffer me ever
To search out the bright side of all that I see.
Why tell me how changing is woman's affection,
Why tell me how fleeting the friendship of man;
Both please me, and therefore I see no objection
To think them faithful—as long as I can.
